Abstract

A concrete biosand filter (BSF) was designed, and its performance was evaluated on three different water used in the rural communities. The field study was conducted by using tap, well and pump waters, and a questionnaire was administered to apprehend the community’s attitudes in the BSF utilisation. BSF performance was characterised by analysing the filtrates concentration in NH₄⁺, NO₃^-, NO₂^-, COD, Escherichia coli, andClostridium perfringens. The BSF was approved by 94% of the population for water quality, ease of use and quantity of clean water produced. The main results are effective removal of microorganisms (C. perfringens, E. coli), chemical transformation and removal of NH₄⁺, NO₃^- and COD at concentrations below WHO drinking water standards. BSF technology could be a solution in the provision of portable water to rural areas and might represent an alternative for the use of expensive bottled water.

Key words: Biosand filter, drinking water, rural communities, tap water, well, pump.